West Hampstead Area Based Scheme – Proposed Road Humps in Sumatra Road & Parking Changes in Solent Road

Overview

We are seeking your views on the Council’s proposals to reduce traffic speeds on Sumatra Road by converting the existing speed cushions into sinusoidal road humps as part of the larger West Hampstead Area Based Scheme.

West Hampstead Area is a vibrant part of Camden boasting excellent transport links, a unique high street and desirable residential streets. West End Lane, which runs from North to South through the centre of West Hampstead, contains many independent shops, contributing to the areas stunning historic architecture and its village feel.

Following the consultation last year on a 20mph Area to the residential section to the west of West End Lane; the speed limit has now been decreased in this area to 20mph. This includes Sumatra Road, where a raised junction was also built at its junction with Glenbrook Road. During the consultation stage, a number of residents wrote to us stating that the existing speed cushions (narrow road humps) were not effective at reducing vehicle speeds and asked the Council to investigate.

As part of our investigation, we looked at the road accident data and have noted that in the three years to the end of February 2012,there have been six accidents along Sumatra Road, two of whichresulted in serious injuries.

Speed cushions although are an effective traffic calming measure, they do allow vehicles to straddle Them as they drive over them. We have investigated this particular road and feel that we can achieve further reduction in speed by converting these to sinusoidal road humps along the full length of Sumatra Road. The sinusoidal road humps have a gentler profile but are also effective at reducing speeds. The photograph overleaf illustrates examples of a speed cushion and a sinusoidal road humps.

In addition we propose to convert an existing 15 metre shared use (Permit Holders Only/ Pay and Display) parking bay into a 15 metre pay and display only parking bay outside the Solent Road Health Centre (Clinic). This follows a request from the Solent Road Health Clinic to provide Short-term parking facilities for visitors to the Clinic. The proposed pay and display parking will operate Mon – Fri 08:30 – 18:30. This will mean that permit holders will not able to park in this bay (three spaces) using their permit during its operational hours.

If agreed, the works will be undertaken in early 2013. All works and approved proposals will be funded by Transport for London.

What happens next

Thank you for taking the time to take part in the consultation, which closed in January 2013.  We will shortly provide an update on the progress of the next stages of the decision-making process.